Credit to Keys - Week 1: Credit Scores & Homebuying — What Actually Matters

Credit scores aren’t a moral judgment. They’re a math problem lenders use to predict risk. If you’re planning to buy a home in the next year or two, understanding how credit affects your mortgage options is step one.

For homebuyers, your score influences:

• Loan program eligibility

• Interest rate and monthly payment

• Down payment requirements

• Overall buying power

Here’s the part many people miss: lenders don’t use just any score. Mortgage lending relies on specific scoring models, and even a small increase can mean real savings over time.

Smart moves to make now:

• Pay all accounts on time, every time

• Keep credit card balances below 30% of limits

• Avoid opening new accounts unnecessarily

• Check reports for errors early (not weeks before applying)

Credit improvement isn’t instant, but it is predictable. Give yourself time, and future-you gets rewarded with better terms and fewer hurdles.

Justin Riggan, Realtor & Mortgage Loan Originator

Keller Williams Synergy - The Wells Team

Orca Home Loans LLC

NMLS #2013527 TREC #0782376